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Brian Taylor blunder savaged by AFL fans as Daisy Thomas' epic reaction captured on camera

The veteran Channel 7 commentator has drawn the ire of fans once again.

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·5-min read

Brian Taylor is once again copping backlash from AFL fans after a commentary blunder in which he said Carlton had fallen out of the top-eight with their loss on Sunday. The Blues went down 76-74 to St Kilda, with Jack Higgins kicking an extraordinary late goal to guide the Saints home.

Channel 7 showed the crazy scenes in the commentary box as former Carlton player Dale Thomas couldn't believe his eyes, with Higgins' goal threatening to end the Blues' season. Thankfully for Carlton supporters, Fremantle lost to Port Adelaide later on Sunday night and the Blues held onto eighth place to secure their spot in the finals.

Dale Thomas and Brian Taylor in commentary for Channel 7.
Dale Thomas and Brian Taylor in the commentary box during Jack Higgins' match-winner for St Kilda against Carlton. Image: AAP/Channel 7

But Taylor made a bizarre blunder in commentary in which he stated the Blues had fallen out of the eight on the 'live ladder' with the loss. In actual fact, the Blues were always in eighth and only a Dockers win over the Power could see them fall out.

Fans were highly critical of Taylor's mistake and took to social media to vent their frustrations over the veteran commentator. The 62-year-old, who played for Richmond and Collingwood before forging a successful career in the media, has always been a divisive figure in the commentary box.

However the situation has descended in 2024 and there were suggestions earlier this year that he could be part of a Channel 7 shake-up. The Herald Sun reported in June that support for Taylor at Channel 7 might be waning after the network's sport boss Lewis Martin left the company - resulting in BT losing a close ally.

The Herald Sun quoted an unnamed source from Seven as saying: “Lewis was the biggest supporter of BT of anyone by so far, he was BT’s guy. The most nervous bloke in the whole place will be BT.”

But the veteran caller later revealed on his podcast that he's here to stay. “I am glad to be able to say that I have signed for five years at the Seven Network," he revealed last month. "So for all those people out there wondering whether you like me or you don’t, bad luck, you’ve got me.”

Brian Taylor and Ray Chamberlain.
Brian Taylor chats to Ray Chamberlain before the AFL umpire's final game. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Taylor said the network's new head of sport Chris Jones had been a breath of fresh air. “You bet they are (good changes). They’re fantastic," he said.

“Lewis Martin and his departure, he was happy in the end to go. He feels like the world’s been lifted off his shoulders now and he’s at an age where he could possibly make a decision to retire if he wanted to. So he did a great job. You know what he did? He built an incredible team over a long period of time.

“And I’m glad to see it looks like those that are in the team are very grateful and it looks like they’re going to continue with that same team. There might be a little change or two over the next few years, but other than that, it is absolutely fantastic."

A petition had gone viral earlier this season calling for Channel 7 to cut ties with Taylor, with footy fan Kent Hodder writing: “My love for watching footy has always been intertwined with the thrill of a good game and insightful commentary. Unfortunately, the latter has been consistently marred by the presence of Brian Taylor.

“His biased viewpoints, lack of understanding of the rules, and overall incompetence have tarnished the enjoyment of countless games. His inability to fully comprehend and explain the rules causes confusion and casts doubt over his credibility. The role of a commentator is vital in providing accurate, unbiased, and insightful views to enhance the experience of watching the games and unfortunately, Brian Taylor is falling grossly short of this expectation.

"It's essential to remember that a commentator not only narrates but also educates and shapes viewers' perspective on the game. Unfit commentators such as Brian can negatively affect the viewer's experience and potentially dwindle the popularity of the sport itself."

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